There is no one better than Arthur McCarroll to receive an OAM at this past Australia Day Honours for his outstanding contribution to surf lifesaving.
Arthur is a life member of the North Steyne and has an outstanding record of service. He joined the Club in November 1967, aged 26, and went on to hold 8 different board positions for a combined period of 26 consecutive years. No one in the Club’s history has held as many different board positions, nor served as long. He has been President, Deputy President, Treasurer, Club Captain, Vice-Captain, Chief Instructor, Assistant Chief Instructor and Surf Boat Vice-Captain. He is the longest serving President of the Club with 12 years.
During Arthur’s Presidency many things changed. The first female squad in the Club’s history obtained their bronze medallions in 1981. Nippers also started under his Presidency with a dedicated Nipper’s supervisor. He also obtained funding for much needed repairs to the Club. He considers his greatest achievement was keeping the Club together during the lean years.
Arthur also spent countless hours volunteering at Sydney Northern Beaches Branch (Branch), Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) and Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA).
Arthur served Branch for more than 20 years in administration, education, competition and lifesaving roles. He obtained his instructor’s certificate in 1974 and joined the board of examiners for the Branch in 1978. As a member of the board of examiners he did many assessments for bronze medallions, advanced resuscitation certificates and first aid. He was also a member of the Branch audit team ensuring all Clubs met the necessary standards required for lifesaving patrols.
From 1978 to 1994 (16 years), he attended all Branch carnivals as an official. He was also a surfboat competitor and was the Branch carnival and competition manager for 2-3 years. He drove the branch carnival gear truck with radios, judging stands and other equipment to Branch carnivals for many years.
Further, he was on the Branch organising committee for club captains’ seminars and attended or gave presentations at those seminars many times.
Arthur’s achievements at a national level are also significant because of his commitment to competition for more than 20 years, either as a surf sports competitor or as a surf sports official and/or in administrative/managerial leadership roles.
From 1978 to 1994 (16 years), Arthur was a surf official at every national SLSA carnival. This took him to every state of Australia. His main area as a competition official was in the board and ski area. He held roles as a marshal, judge, starter and recorder. He was also a judge in the March Past, R&R, boat sections as well as beach sprints and flags at “Aussies”.
Arthur was part of the Manly Warringah/ Sydney Northern Beaches educational team delegation to the Philippines in both 1978 and 1980. The purpose of the visit was to provide expertise and training on lifesaving and resuscitation methods to the leading safety organisations in the Philippines. During these trips, Arthur trained a number of young males on what would today be considered the bronze medallion, in addition to training staff from the safety organisations.
He was also part of the SLSA organising committee for the International Conference on Lifesaving in 1983 which was held at Narrabeen Sports Centre. His duties included transport officer and host for the United Arab Emirates team delegates along with Colonel Thompson from Wales. Attending countries included the US, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and UAE amongst others. He received an International Training Officer’s award on 1 Jul 1983.
Arthur is a very special person. For 57 years, he has been an active member of the Club. Today you can find him helping on the BBQ, participating in a fundraiser, attending a social event or sharing the history of the Club with others. He is a well-respected by everyone and a true gentleman. Arthur is the essence of what makes North Steyne great. We are so proud that he received an OAM as he truly deserves it!